The Rebbe’s Reach

Two Stories

Mr. Max Cohen from Manchester received a call from a business associate in Bangladesh. “Mr. Cohen, we’ve prepared a large shipment of merchandise for you. We are eagerly awaiting your arrival, so we can close the deal.” Mr. Cohen was equally keen on the deal. For years, he had benefited from his association with the textile industry in that country. And yet he had mixed feelings.

He was familiar with the country, rife with civil uprisings and natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes.

Only a year earlier, he had fled the country without concluding his business, after violent fighting had broken out in the streets. Some months later, en route from Hong Kong, he canceled a stopover in Bangladesh because a full-force cyclone had ripped through the country.

His associates tried repeatedly to calm his fears. “Things are quiet now, Max,” they reassured him. “The streets are calm and the worst is over. There’s nothing to worry about.”

His flight was scheduled for the following Sunday. Throughout the entire week Mr. Cohen remained in contact with the Rebbe’s office in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, inquiring whether or not he had received a reply, but to no avail. Sunday morning, Mr. Cohen called the Rebbe’s secretary at his home. “Is there anything you can do for me? I need an answer urgently.”

“It’s difficult to ask the Rebbe such matters on Sunday, because he devotes many hours to distributing dollars,” the secretary said. (Beginning in 1986, the Rebbe would conduct a weekly “receiving line”; every visitor received a dollar to give to charity.)

The Rebbe (a portait by Sarah Kranz)

The Lubavitcher Rebbe

In the evening Mr. Cohen drove to the airport. There was still time before the 10:30 PM departure. “If an answer from the Rebbe comes, I’ll be ready to go,” he thought as he checked in.

While other passengers relaxed in the departure lobby, Mr. Cohen nervously called Lubavitch headquarters several times. Friends in Crown Heights also tried to verify if there was an answer for him. In his dilemma, he called his brother-in-law, David Jaffe, for advice. After he hung up the phone, David had an idea. He hurried over to the dollar line and asked the Rebbe for a reply for his brother-in-law.

The 9:00 PM news reported that another cyclone had hit Bangladesh. That, and the fact that by 10:00 PM he had not received an answer from the Rebbe, were enough to cause Mr. Cohen to cancel his flight.

As his baggage was being removed from the plane, he placed a final call to his father-in-law, Abraham Jaffe, in Manchester. “I’ll have to stay overnight in London,” he said. “I’ll return to Manchester tomorrow.” As they conversed, Mr. Cohen began to unwind and relax from the tense hours he had gone through. The men continued talking casually for a while, when Mr. Jaffe heard a beep on his line. “Excuse me, Max, I have another call. I’ll put you on hold for just a moment.”

On the other line was his son David from Crown Heights. “I have news for Max,” he said excitedly, “but I don’t know how to reach him.” With a press on the button, the elder Mr. Jaffe connected Max with a conference call. The two men listened in anticipation as David related his story.

“When I reached the Rebbe, it was 5:00 PM, and already 10:00 PM in London. I described Max’s situation to the Rebbe, explaining that he was at the airport waiting for the Rebbe’s blessing. ‘It’s tumultuous there,’ the Rebbe said. I ventured to tell the Rebbe that things had become calmer. The Rebbe then handed me a dollar for Max, and gave him his blessing for a successful journey.

“I turned to go, but the Rebbe’s attendant called me back. The Rebbe gave me another dollar and said: ‘This is for the shaliach (emissary) in Bangladesh.’ I stood transfixed in amazement. ‘Jews in Bangladesh?’ I wondered. ‘And a Lubavitch shaliach at that?’ The Rebbe surely noticed my astonishment, for he added: ‘There is a Jew in that country who is involved with Lubavitch.’

“Listen, I’m going to forward the dollars by special delivery to Max’s hotel in Bangladesh. I won’t keep you another moment.”

There was no time to lose. Laden with his suitcases that had already been deplaned, and the Rebbe’s blessing, Mr. Cohen boarded in the nick of time. The long flight gave him ample time to recollect his thoughts and muse at the unbelievable chain of events. If David hadn’t had that idea; if I hadn’t called my father-in-law; if we hadn’t prolonged our conversation; if David’s call would have come a minute later . . . what divine providence!

But what was mostly on his mind was the mysterious mission from the Rebbe to deliver a dollar to “a Jew who is involved in Lubavitch activity.” He had traveled to Bangladesh many times. His business associates were all Muslims, and so was almost everyone else he had ever met there. A Jew in Bangladesh? A Lubavitch activist? Even if so how was he supposed to locate him in a population of 114 million . . . ?

Upon arriving in the city of Chittagong in eastern Bangladesh, Mr. Cohen checked into his hotel and set out to find the person for whom the Rebbe had sent the dollar.

After two days of searching, Mr. Cohen returned to his hotel weary and frustrated. Just then he noticed a man hurrying towards the elevator before its doors closed. There was something striking in the man’s face. A thought flashed through his mind. He retraced his steps towards the elevator.

“Excuse me, sir, are you Jewish?”

The man turned around and stared at Mr. Cohen. The elevator doors closed, but the man remained standing there.

“Yes.”

Minutes later, the two men were deep in conversation in Mr. Cohen’s hotel room. Two Jews, two worlds of business, personal concerns, and interesting experiences came together in a meeting of chance in distant Bangladesh.

Or was it chance? As they conversed, Mr. Cohen sensed that this indeed was the man he was looking for.

“The Lubavitcher Rebbe asked me to deliver a dollar to a Jew who is involved in Lubavitch activity in Bangladesh.”

The man, who had introduced himself as Walter from North Carolina, was visibly moved. “Yes, I know the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and from time to time I am involved in Lubavitch activities,” he said slowly. “I suppose this is the Rebbe’s way of expressing his concern and encouragement to a simple Jew halfway around the globe.”

And Walter began to tell his story:

“My import-export business takes me to many places throughout the world, but I have spent most of my recent years in Bangladesh. Come what may, however, I always go back to North Carolina at least twice a year, for Passover and for the High Holidays.

“Before my business brought me to Bangladesh, I was an active member of the Jewish community in Charlotte, North Carolina. We have a large community with many members, but like other communities in the States, many do not observe mitzvot. Intermarriage is on the rise, and our youth lack direction. So I wholeheartedly welcomed the young Lubavitch couple who arrived in North Carolina in 1980, Rabbi YosefYitzchak and Mrs. Mariasha Groner.

“I did my best to help them acclimate themselves into our community and get started with their work. I maintain a steady relationship with them, even though seven years have passed since I moved here.

“While phoning Rabbi Groner some years ago, I discussed an issue which had been on my mind. Over the years, I had met a number of Jewish families who spend extended periods of time here in Bangladesh on business. They and their children had very little, if any, connection with Jewish values and observance.

“Rabbi Groner helped me organize a Jewish education program for the children. Since then, he has been sending me educational material from North Carolina.

“Once, about three years ago, Rabbi Groner mentioned that he had included a report of my Bangladesh activities in his periodic reports of his own activities to the Rebbe.”

Walter continued slowly, and his next words were emotionally charged: “Don’t ask me too many questions about our providential meeting here. I honestly have no rational answer, except that the Rebbe saw fit to encourage me, a distant Jew whom he heard about three years ago.

“I, and all the families with whom I am involved, live in Dhaka, the capital. My business affairs have always been located in the same area. I never traveled to other parts of this country until this Monday morning, when I felt a sudden urge to see some of the tourist attractions in this area.

“This is how I happened to be here in Chittagong. I plan to return to Dhaka tomorrow morning.”

“I first met the Rebbe during the lifetime of his father-in-law and predecessor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchack of Lubavitch,” related Rabbi AvrahamMordechai Hershberg, the former chief rabbi of Mexico. “I asked the previous rebbe about a rabbinic position I was offered in Chicago. He told me to consult his son-in-law.

“I spent nearly an entire night with the Rebbe. Our discussion covered tractate after tractate of the Talmud, and the scope of the Rebbe’s knowledge and his genius totally amazed me. From that night onward, I maintained a relationship with the Rebbe, and I consulted with him regarding numerous personal and public matters.”

In 1980, during the Iranian occupation of the American embassy there, Rabbi Hershberg was scheduled to travel to Iran for a public service project. Because of the tense atmosphere at the time, many tried to persuade him to postpone his trip. The Rebbe, by contrast, encouraged him. “Go with blessing,” he answered. “You are certain to light the Chanukah menorah in Iran.”

Rabbi Hershberg was puzzled by the Rebbe’s closing words. He was not necessarily planning to stay in Iran for Chanukah. But if he would, there was no question that he would light a menorah. He did not understand the Rebbe’s reference, nor the emphatic tone in his words.

Afterwards, it became clear. His mission in Iran took longer than expected, during which time he developed a relationship with some Iranian officials. He knew that there were six Jews among the hostages in the American embassy, and he asked permission to light the menorah with them. “Just as we have granted permission for a priest to meet with the Christian hostages on their holiday,” the Iranians replied, “we will allow you entry as well.”

And so, it was in the barricaded American embassy in Iran that Rabbi Hershberg lit the Chanukah menorah that year.

Jews in Bangladesh
In addition to me previous posting, I would like to get in touch with any Bangladesh Jew or any Jew currently living and/or working in Bangladesh. Please contact me via the feedback form above, as I am very eager to hear from you.
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Joseph EdwardScarborough, Ontario, CanadaOctober 13, 2011

Jews in Bangladesh
My father was a Jew who lived in Bangladesh. He belonged to a very prominent Jewish family. I am very eager and interested in meeting and/or communicating with any Bangladeshi Jew living anywhere in Bangladesh or outside of Bangladesh. Please email me via the editors.
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RahulDhaka, BangladeshJuly 29, 2011

A little correction
The port city in the eastern part of the country is called "Chittagong", not "Chaitong" as mentioned in the article.

As indicated by other posters, most Bangladeshis are very liberal and very unlike Pakistanis.

Bangladeshis could not travel Israel, South Africa and Taiwan with a Bangladeshi passport. South Africa and Taiwan have been removed from the black-list, and I hope Israel will be also. But I do not see when.

Apart from expatriate Jews, Bangladesh had a small population of Bangla-speaking local Jews also. They were descendants of Jewish families of north India and Bombay - totally absorbed into Bangladeshi culture. Sadly, most of then have left the country.

Pesach 2011
Hi I'm an American Jew in Dhaka and I'd love to attend a Pesach seder--- anyone know of any?
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sakil hossaindhaka, 1203April 5, 2010

jews are welcome in bangladesh
some bangladeshi hate israel's policy. but do not hate israeli citizens even jews. what is the problem to me whether you are jews or muslims? nothing at all. all are human. and we the bangladeshi people like humans & guests. & we need peace in whole world.
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Mohammed Iftakhar Islam Dhaka, Bangladesh March 1, 2010

Jews In Bangladesh
Its Really Surprising to know that 250+ jews are in Bangladesh . In my life i met one jew , in Nepal on the way of my travel .

In Bangladesh and as a muslim i belive abt the 2 nation & 2 country . I mean palestine + Israel should be 2 country there with the conflict land .And i belive its possible to make a solution .

And Bangladesh is such a country where people can die for their right . 1952 student died for Bangla language . 1971 hindu , muslim , crsitian people fought against paksitan army to make free this land . And Maj Gen C.R Datta who was a sector commander . We have buddist high rank police officers even with police force .

Bangladesh is such country where people can express their religious concept independently . Yes some extrimst you ll get , but they are Jamat e Islami , but they have no record aginst hindu or other religion killing . They do the university campus violance with other party .

Front Page of Bangladeshi Passport
The front page of every Bangladeshi passport bears the following statement: "Valid in all countries of the world except Israel."

The only Jews you will find in Bangladesh are those merchants with extensive business reasons to stay in Bangladesh.

What's really sad is that Israel gave so much humanitarian aid to Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh after the Tsunami only five years ago. No matter how much aid was given, there was no change in the UN voting or in the official attitudes toward Israel. Maybe this makes it true chesed, but it also smacks of terrible ingratitude.
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DavidJuly 13, 2008

David
Thank you for the responses, guys! I really do appreciate it. Well, at the risk of sounding insensitive, while many Muslims feel the plight of their Palestinian "brothers," quite a large number don't. They think it is either an Arab problem, or that they have no cause for concern since it's not like the wealthy Arabs have helped *them* enough to care, them being non-Arab Muslims like Berber/Amazigh peoples in Morocco, as well as Bangladeshis.

Some opinions I've been getting from such non-Arab Muslims is that friendship with Israel would be innocuous, and indeed healthy. But alas, with the Saudis giving so much economic support, what can these governments do but to oblige?

However, I am pleased to know that some Arabs and Muslims do not follow the Gulf Arabs' money like sheep - whilst they realize the economic dependence they have on these wealthy "donors" they do have their own opinions, one of them being that Israel is not the solitary, perennial bad guy in this conflict.
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pmizrahiJuly 11, 2008

yuh plenty
Yes David , I would consider around 45 Jews plenty in a place like BD , and Anonymou sis right BD was indeed very close to recognizing Israel right after Indian but Saudi and Malaysian pressure stopped them. Both SA and Malaysia take a lot of labours form BD so they had to succumb to that pressure...it is also true that to my knowledge BD people do not really care about Palestinians...although there are a few palestinians in Dhaka as well..and I know some Israelis who are in the garment business and are in dhaka with different papers , that includes my family
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AnonymousJuly 11, 2008

Re: Wow
No, I never went to Karachi, partially because of my Bangladeshi friends. (One of whom told me, "within hours there will be rumors...'There is a Jew in the city') And yes, a couple of my contacts there told me they would love to visit, just out of curiosity...The 'word on the street' in Dhaka is that Bangladesh came close to recognizing Israel many times, but never did because of Saudi pressure (We'll stop giving you aid, we'll make you send your workers home, etc.) I am a pretty committed Zionist - I mean, I believe in theory, in the two state solution, but don't think it can be implemented right now - and people there know my views - it's just a country without much antisemitism.
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DavidJuly 9, 2008

Wow
Hey "Anonymous,"

Thanks for your post. As you said, Bangladeshis are less fundamentalist than Pakistanis, and while I know neither groups of people very well, I think you are correct.

In addition, Arab Muslims, so I have heard, tend to treat other Muslims (Pakistanis, Indians, Turks, etc.) a bit "differently" if you know what I mean, especially the South Asian laborers who work in the gulf states.

So did you ever go to Karachi? I'm wondering what it's like *there* as opposed to BD.

And they would love to visit? Really? Did they say that to you? Just wondering...
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AnonymousJuly 9, 2008

Supporting Israel in Bangladesh
Actually, the people I do business with know that I am a Zionist. People are pretty open in Dhaka, and most of them really don't care about Israel one way or another, and this includes people who are religious Muslims, pray 5 times a day, etc. This is seen as an Arab problem, and the Arabs treat Bangladeshi laborers like garbage, so there is no automatic report for Palestinians. A few of them would love to visit if they legally could. It really isn't a fundamentalist country. (They are VERY different than Pakistanis - when I actually mentioned I was thinking of going to Karachi, they all argued with me to stop me from going)
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DavidJuly 8, 2008

Israel
So, despite people's political/religious views ... I wonder what they would say if you said "I support Israel" haha. Although I doubt that's such a good idea!

Hey Pmizrahi, just wondering, you wrote "for Jews as there are plenty..." There are plenty of Jews in Dhaka? This is all news to me!!!
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PmizrahiBrooklyn, NYJuly 7, 2008

i agree
I am openly Sephardic Jewish , my family has business there ( textile ) and I am even visitng in August...can not wait to go shopping for dresses in Dhaka , its soooo cheap! I was thinking of even having events at the ARA for Jews as there are plenty...
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AnonymousJuly 7, 2008

Not a problem
I am the Jewish member of the board of one of the largest ISPs in the country. I have never felt the slightest tinge of Antisemitism in Dhaka, despite people's religious or political views. I have felt more antisemitism, frankly, in Western Europe. All my colleagues here know that I am Jewish, and they are more intrigued and interested by Judaism than anything else.
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DavidMay 26, 2008

Jews in Bangladesh?
I wonder how they are treated in this country, while for I know the Bangladeshis are in general peaceful, nice people, Islamic extremism is on the rise on that country.

This article doesn't convey any fear or anxiety whatsoever, but I would fear for my life telling someone I was Jewish were I visiting Bangladesh.
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AnonymousBrooklyn, NYFebruary 28, 2007

jews in Bangladesh
There are about 250 Jewish families in Bangladesh , mostly uber secularMy mother is Bangladeshi but my father is Temani Jewish , i have undergone orthodox conversion and I know a lot of Russian jews in Dhaka :)
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